Engadget HD Podcast 107 - 10.22.2008
by Trent Wolbe 
posted Oct 22nd 2008 at 2:00PM
The delayed show last week left us with a light list of topics, but we still had plenty to say. Like, as much as we've waited for tru2way, we really aren't interested in using it anytime soon, because ultimately it is the same cruddy software anyways. But no matter how you tune in to HD, it probably takes you longer to change channels then the good ol' days of analog, but not that it really matters anyways with DVRs eliminating the need to channel surf. Finally we talk up our favorite new topic, discs vs downloads, as we assess the adoption of Blu-ray using Netflix's numbers and give Vudu props' for really stepping up and releasing tons of new HD titles. Oh, and while Apple TV is still just a hobby, we don't let it stop us from enjoying some Hulu on our big screen TV.Get the podcast
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Hosts: Ben Drawbaugh and Steve Kim
Producer: Trent Wolbe
00:39 - Comments from Engadget HD Podcast 106 - 10.17.2008
09:48 - Panasonic's tru2way-enabled TH-50PZ80Q plasma lands in Chicago retailer
12:57 - Poll: Are you planning to get tru2way?
16:10 - How long does it take to change the channel? About 1.9 seconds
20:14 - Is Netflix a better indicator of Blu-ray's success than Nielsen?
25:00 - A new HD tide is rising at VUDU
33:26 - Boxee delivers Hulu to Apple TV
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
S4Rs @ Oct 22nd 2008 3:42PM
Good luck getting comcast to record the shows for you with tru2way. You seem to forget that cablevision lawsuit.
http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/03/23/cablevision-loses-networked-dvr-case/
In that sense why wouldn't the cable company just record all shows and let you watch them whenever. Maybe keep like a one week history that you can access like VOD, seperated by channels. If they lock the fast forward button when viewing this content Big Hollywood might just go for it.
Spiza @ Oct 22nd 2008 4:23PM
I became interested in that $200 movie coupon deal till I read the fine print:
1. Offer only valid on new VUDU BX100 boxes purchase between 9/22/08 and 12/31/08 at a participating Best Buy store or www.bestbuy.com. VUDU boxes purchased from other retailers or from personal parties do not qualify.
2. Movie Credit will be applied after activation of a VUDU Account.
3. Customer must activate his/her VUDU Account by January 15, 2009.
4. Activation of VUDU Account requires valid credit card and initial deposit of $20.00.
5. Any unused portion of the VUDU $200 Movie Credit will expire 4 months after Account activation date.
6. If VBX100 is returned to Best Buy for refund or credit, CUSTOMER?S CREDIT CARD WILL BE CHARGED FOR PORTION OF MOVIE CREDIT THAT HAS BEEN USED.
7. Movie Credit may not be applied towards any content on the AVN Adult Channel.
8. This offer cannot be combined with any other promotional offer.
9. This offer is non-transferable and may be revoked at any time for any reason.
10. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice and at the sole discretion of VUDU, Inc.
Of particular note is #5, and some might be interested in 4, 6, and 7.
Starkenator @ Oct 24th 2008 12:14AM
Speaking of AppleTV and Vudu and adding more features, I had a weird dream the other night that AppleTV partnered with Tivo to create "AppleTV with TivoHD" . I know it would be unlikely to happen because of Apple's current business model but could you imagine if it did? I would be an instant convert and I am a windows guy. Apple did have that patent filed for a DVR and this would eliminate a possible lawsuit from Tivo.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-9893207-37.html
Actually I think Vudu would benefit from such a partnership more than Apple.
Keith @ Oct 28th 2008 10:09AM
I know there has been a lot of talk about Blu-Ray plus all the other video boxes. However there are still some of us who use a HTPC. For me I currently have the following:
HD-DVD (with approx 60 movies), Sony PS3, 56in Panny DLP TV, with a Pent 4, custom built PC. The pc has all top specs with the exception of the capture card, which is a Happauge PVR 250 I think (bought 3 years ago). Now my HTPC is connected to my home server via wired intranet. The home server currently serves 3 other media pcs in the house. It has become the repository for all media access. Having files backed up is easy, same with recorded shows, movies, music, pics, etc... All of this was fine for the last year but the only thing I seem to have a problem with is recording HD or the lack of. All run XP MCE
I have comcast & 1 box. I want the HTPC (above which is currently in the living room) to do the recording. The line comes out of the wall and is split. One to the box>TV the other direct to the PC. I record all the basic cable shows via MCE. I like media center and everyone in the house is now used to it so I would rather not change.
What I want to do is add a new tv tuner card that will record the HD channels. Reading all the reviews, suggestions, etc, I must say I am a bit confused at what to look at. I just want to buy a card that I can capture HD stations via the coaxial input. Is this possible? Secondly, what ccards out there can do this? I have looked at the Hauppauge PVR 1600 & PVR 1800 which both state that they will record QAM. Finally I know media center (XP edition) states that it can't or doesn't handle cam. Is this correct?
I appreciate any assistance.
Finally, I love the HTPC concept as it does more than just about any other box out there. I put together my bedroom pcs for about $400 (Shuttle) just so tv shows & movies can be accessed along with web surfing, if needed. I think for the money, it can't be beat and blows away these purpose built boxes. I can almost deal with it however most don't live up to the hype or are only good for one thing.
keith